Weasel

Dead chickens or other birds in your yard? Those may well be caused by a marauding weasel. Weasels raid poultry houses at night and kill or injure domestic fowl. They feed on the warm blood of victims bitten in the head or neck. Call Critter Control today for effective weasel removal and exclusion services.

Description

Weasels belong to the same family as badgers, otters, and fishers and are found throughout the continental United States. They regularly prey on rodents but may also eat reptiles, birds, and even animals larger than themselves. Though primarily nocturnal, weasels can be seen hunting during the day, as well. They are vicious creatures that cause problems for farmers by regularly attacking livestock for food.

Appearance

Slender-bodied with long, bushy tails, weasels grow up to 11 inches (26 cm) in length and weigh close to a pound (16 oz). They have small, narrow heads with long whiskers and short legs that allow them to lope or bound as they run. Sharp claws help with hunting and allow weasels to climb trees with relative ease. Most appear light brown in color, though they shed their fur seasonally, becoming all white in the winter before returning to their standard coloration in the spring.

Habitat

Weasels are found in most habitats across the country, excluding only deserts and dense forests. Found in fields to wetlands and suburban areas, they spend the majority of their time on the ground despite being excellent climbers and swimmers. Their dens are often lairs created by other animals, rock piles, or hollow logs. When they encroach on human habitations, weasels may nest under sheds, porches, and barns.

Entry

Are weasels known to enter homes or yards?
Like many other wild animals, weasels will only invade homes and yards when food and shelter become scarce in their natural habitat. Farmers have to be especially alert for the pests since they attack livestock, particularly chickens. Since they are able to squeeze through small spaces, weasels can enter barns or sheds with relative ease. Nonetheless, they typically only enter homes by accident, if at all.

Damage

Do weasels harm people or property?
For the most part, weasels are merely nuisance pests. The largest threat they pose is to the poultry industry, as they target chickens and their eggs as easy meals. Weasels also carry various parasites known to harbor infectious diseases such as ticks, fleas, and mites. In rare cases, weasels may be infected with rabies.

Control and Safety

Despite its size, the weasel is a vicious animal, especially when on the hunt. When cornered, they will use their sharp teeth and claws in order to escape, which can result in the injury of people or pets. Various exclusion methods can effectively keep weasels out of yards, including fencing and chicken wire. There are no known fumigants or repellants that keep weasels away, which makes closing off building openings necessary to ward off the pest.

Trapping and Removal

While exclusion methods can be effective, they are also time-consuming. Professional wildlife removal specialists from Critter Control can humanely and effectively remove pest weasels from private properties. Our specialists have the proper equipment and training to carefully remove weasels, which keeps untrained individuals and domestic animals safe.

We can help you get rid of weasel problems. Call today: 1.800.274.8837.

Mike was very knowledgeable and spot on with his assessment of my squirrel situation. I appreciate his diligence.

Jun 5

Excellant work. Thank you!

Jun 5

Mark offered suggestions to keep squirrels out of attic in future. The guards he placed over the louvers are inconspicuous from ground should do the job. His inspection discovered some chewed wire in attic and torn roof shingles (probably caused by raccoons), both of which we have had repaired.